President Trump had signed an Executive Order before this to jump start enact this act of actual legislation passed with bipartisan support.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

June 23, 2017

President Donald J. Trump Signs S. 1094 into Law

On Friday, June 23, 2017, the President signed into law:

S. 1094, the “Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and
Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017,” which makes a number of changes to Department of Veterans Affairs authorities related to personnel, accountability, and whistleblower protections.

Veterans Accountability

and Whistleblower Protection Act

JUNE 23, 2017 AT 5:26 PM ET BY THE WHITE HOUSE

On Friday, President Donald J. Trump continued to show his strong support for America’s veterans and signed the Department of Veteran Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 which will bring accountability back to the VA.

This bill gives senior officials in the Department of Veterans Affairs the power to fire failing employees and establishes safeguards to protect those who reveal wrongdoing in the agency. The bill will incentivize VA employees to provide America’s veterans with the care they deserve and hold these employees accountable when they fall short of their responsibilities.

Before signing the bill, President Trump applauded our Nation’s courageous veterans, and shared the story of Sergeant Michael Verardo, a veteran who lost two limbs defending our country and had to wait two months for prosthetic reparations. Unfortunately, these stories are all too common, and the President has repeatedly called for a higher standard when it comes to caring for our veterans.

President Trump discussed the work his Administration has already done to help veterans, including establishing an Office of Accountability at the Department of Veteran Affairs, organizing the seamless transition of medical records between the Department of Defense and the VA, and signing the Veterans Choice Improvement Act, which ensures veterans are able to see the doctor of their choice. These acts are meant to ensure that our veterans are treated with respect and receive the care they need.

The President explained that the bill is about “keeping our promises to those who have kept us free.” His actions reflect the Administration’s commitment to providing fast, high quality care to Americans who have risked their lives in service to their country.